‘John Doe’ in McArthur probe identified
“John Doe” has a name — five weeks after homicide investigators’ last-resort move to release a photograph of a dead, unidentified man believed to be a victim of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur.
Toronto police announced Friday that their release last month of a grisly, albeit cleaned up image has culminated in the identification of the man, a development likely to lead to another charge against the accused killer already facing seven counts of first-degree murder.
The break came after 500 generated tips that turned into a long list of 70 possible identities, which became a shortlist of 22, which was finally winnowed down to one in the last 48 hours.
Police will release more details about the man and any additional charges against McArthur on Monday, after investigators notify the man’s family.
Putting a name to the de- ceased man had been both a source of stress and a priority for investigators.
On Wednesday, at a news conference where investigators released a new illustration of the man to prompt more tips, Det.-Sgt. Hank Idsinga told reporters he could theoretically lay a charge without the identity, but “I’d like to put a name for him.”
In an interview Friday, the lead detective said he felt “incredibly proud” of the team of officers who’d gotten it.
“We are very happy and relieved that we’ve been able to identify him,” Idsinga said.